This weekend follows the Ascension of the Risen Jesus. According to Luke, Jesus spent 40 days after the resurrection appearing to the believers, eating with them and instructing them. His final instruction to them before he was taken out of their sight by a cloud, was that they would be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”(Acts 1:8) They would be sent into the world and sending would be the title of their chief leaders. Apostle means, “one who is sent.”

The apostles had a mission, but first they had to restore the position of Judas Iscariot among them and the number of 12 apostles. From among a group of about 120 men and women they had to pick a replacement. They believed that the next apostle should be a man who had been with them from the beginning until Jesus’ departure, because he would be a witness with them. Two were proposed, the whole community prayed, and Matthias was elected by lot.

I look at this first example of the organization of what would become the church and I compare it to our modern processes. It was certainly simpler, but I recognize similarities. In the calling of fifth Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego we are seeking someone who will be a witness to Jesus’ resurrection, who has faithful experience in leadership, and who will have a share in leading the apostolic ministry of the Church. The whole of our diocese is asked to pray – for this process, for the diocese, for nominees, and for the lot which each delegate will cast at our electing convention next February 2nd.

There are some differences, too. We are open to both men and women being chosen for this leadership, we have compiled a profile to orient both nominees and our own diocese about the diversity of our region and the priorities of our diocese in witnessing to the risen Jesus. We will have a tour of the diocese to meet the nominees. All the nominees will have extensive background checks. And, I believe, we will cast our lots at the Electing Convention by texting.

The “casting of lots” as a sign of what choice one should make might almost seem magical if the rest of the process were not considered. I hope that all 120 believers who gathered for the replacement of Judas Iscariot would have said that either Joseph or Matthias would have made an equally faithful apostle, and that all rejoiced when the lot fell on Matthias. The processes of nomination, evaluation, reflection, and prayer are what will lead our Diocese to our next faithful Bishop, because all the processes, not only the “casting of lots,” are guided by God’s Holy Spirit.

Our weekly prayers, worship, and fellowship are guided by that same Spirit. Cast your lot and join us.

Fr. Andrew

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Featured Scripture

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (CEB)

During this time, the family of believers was a company of about one hundred twenty persons. Peter stood among them and said, “Brothers and sisters, the scripture that the Holy Spirit announced beforehand through David had to be fulfilled. This was the scripture concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. This happened even though he was one of us and received a share of this ministry.”

“Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken from us. This person must become along with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they nominated two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.

They prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s deepest thoughts and desires. Show us clearly which one you have chosen from among these two to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” When they cast lots, the lot fell on Matthias. He was added to the eleven apostles.

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May 20, 2018 – Day of Pentecost / Whitsunday

Next Sunday the church celebrates the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Easter Day. The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word Pentekoste, which means “the 50th day.” In the Old Testament, “Pentecost” refers to the Feast of Weeks, a seven-week agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first crops. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, also used the word “Pentecost” to refer to the 50th day of Passover. In the New Testament, “Pentecost” refers to the coming of the Spirit shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Acts 2:1-6, NRSV). Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit, and the Pentecost event as the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, the clergy wear RED vestments to signify the work of the Spirit. It is also a custom in many churches for the people in the congregation to wear RED on the Day of Pentecost as well. We wear RED to remind us of the fire of the Spirit.

NOTE: The Day of Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year in the Episcopal Church. The Day of Pentecost is identified by the Book of Common Prayer as one of the feasts that is “especially appropriate” for baptism. Although the liturgical color of the feast is red, Pentecost has also been known as Whitsun or Whitsunday, a corruption of “White Sunday.” This term reflects the custom by which those who were baptized at the Vigil of Pentecost would wear their white baptismal garments to church on the Day of Pentecost.

Episcopal Relief & Development

As part of our Easter celebration of diocesan ministries, this week we highlight the work of Episcopal Relief & Development. For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has served as a compassionate response of The Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. An independent 501c3 organization, it works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners, helping communities to create long-term development strategies and rebuild after disasters. Using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework, the agency reaches more than three million people in nearly 40 countries each year, through multi-sector programs that fight poverty, hunger and disease.

Tuesdays @ 7PM in Library:The Great 50 Days of Easter! This series will celebrate the 50 days of Easter incorporating elements of Lectio Divina, Hymns, and Baptismal Covenant

May

5/15Benedictine Lectio Divina:

Facilitated by Audrey Spencer

5/22Lectio Divina: Based on John 3:3-5.

Led by Gary Scott

5/29Lectio Divina: A daily Way of Life.

Led by Audrey Spencer

A Change in How To Send Us Mail

As of June 30th, we will no longer use a Post Office Box to receive mail. All mail should be sent to our street address where we will soon have a locked mailbox. Many parishioners have their pledge payment sent directly from their bank to the Post Office Box. If this is the case with your pledge payment, please notify your bank right away to begin using our street address, 125 W. El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

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Hospitality Ministry

Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.

Please consider hosting a coffee hour.

You may sign up at the West end of the Parish Hall.

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St. Paul’s Cathedral will host New Camino

. . . an exciting workshop May 18-19 to encourage and empower members of our diocese to develop and expand ministries with our Latino/Hispanic neighbors. You all know that the Latino/Hispanic population is growing quickly in our region and the future of our diocese will depend in large part on reaching out to these neighbors. This effort is the result of a Multicultural Fearless Love grant. The Cathedral is inviting each parish to send a team of three people to the workshop to learn more and to network about the possibilities. We are blessed to have the Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen, missioner for Latino/Hispanic ministries of the Episcopal Church, leading the workshop, along with members of his team from around the country. If you are interested in attending, please contact Fr. Andrew.

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Photographer on campus May 20

Next Sunday, Melanie Miller, a contract photographer, will be at St. Paul’s, during and after the 8:00 AM service, to complete a photo shoot of the church buildings and grounds. She will also want some random shots of parishioners. The photos will be used in the redesign of our parish website.

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Potluck Dinner! May 24th

Thursday, May 24th – 5:00-6:45 PM in Parish Hall. Let’s gather to enjoy a pre-summer feast with our parish community. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Parish Hall. You can also sign up by calling the office at 760.320.7488.

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“St. Paul’s 101” – Welcome!

If you want to join St. Paul’s or learn more about the parish, come to “St. Paul’s 101.” This is a single session class with Fr. Andrew. In this informal setting, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about St. Paul’s and learn how to become a member. The next session with Fr. Andrew will be Sunday, May 27th at 9:15 AM, in the Conference Room in the Parish Office.

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Icon Writing Retreat

Icon Writing Workshop is a five-day (June 25th-29th) retreat instructed by Teresa Harrison, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego. Participants will learn the prayerful practice of painting or writing a Byzantine-style icon. The emphasis will be on the step by step process of painting an icon, using Jo Sonia acrylic paint and 23 carat gold leaf, as well as on the spiritual practice of allowing God to work in us and through us. The course per-person fee is $435 and includes all supplies, five full days of instruction, and lunch. To RSVP please contact Julie McMinn, jemcminn@gmail.com.

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Communion at Windsor Court

The next communion service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, June 13th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.

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St. Paul’s Camping Ministry

The weekend of July 13 – 15 this summer, our church campers are going up to Hurkey Creek campground near Lake Hemet. Cost is low, $10 a person, but so are the temperatures – 25 degrees cooler than in Palm Springs! Basic cabins are available at $100 and we plan to fish! Contact Bonnie Stroock to reserve – 760.324.7949

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Report Clergy MisconductAs part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact John Seitman, 858-793-4555 or Equilla Luke, 760-583-0485.

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Compassionate Care Task Force

Our diocesan task force on compassionate care for victims of clergy sexual misconduct seeks to connect with those who have experienced misconduct. If you have reported clergy sexual misconduct and have information about the reporting or post-reporting experience that could be helpful to their work, please refer to the task force members, all of whom are listed on the diocesan website: Task-Force. Information on how to report misconduct is available here.

Sunday Worship ChildcareChildcare is available for both the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services.

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Bullying Behavior Not Welcome Here

At St. Paul in the Desert we welcome all worshipers to a place that is free of violence and bullying.

Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.

“It Gets Better” is a series of video messages to encourage Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender youth and let them know that they are loved as they are.

“A Blessing for Those Who Are Bullied” was written by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

It is not enough to say “NO” to bullies. It is important to stand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the targets.

OUR MISSION

God has invited us to share the abundant life of Jesus Christ through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a welcoming, empowering, supportive community.

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is a missionary community that dares to follow Jesus Christ in his life of fearless love for the world.

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